Here’s where to get a quick, reliable test—and now you can track wait times at testing sites across the city.
What are the fastest sites right now in NYC?
There is COVID-19 testing available throughout the five boroughs. However, it is New York’s Public Hospital network or NYC Health + Hospitals, that have the fastest turnaround times for rapid testing. You can find which location is closest to you.
Are tests administered at NYS health and hospitals a different type? What qualifies them as a “rapid’ test?
No, they are no different. Tests at New York State health and hospital are still PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests you may take at an urgent care, but they fall into the category of “rapid” or “express” because there is a testing lab onsite in the building, to check your results immediately. Other remote sites that are not considered express locations, offer PCR testing that may takes up to 3-5 days for results, as they need to pass your results to a lab carrier who then transports it to a corresponding lab.
Are some test more accurate than others?
Outside of the state and government network of sites, some locations may have different variations of testing. For example, some locations may offer, spit tests, mouth swabs, or nasal swabs that do not go all the way into your nasal passage, which could be less reliable, explains a representative for the Department of Health.
For quickly-concluded tests, there is always a chance of receiving a false positive—but usually never a false negative. If you are negative that often means you are negative.
Is testing still free?
Community testing sites operated by NYC Health + Hospitals offer free and convenient testing on a walk-in only basis.
However, there’s some additional information you should know. In New York, COVID-19 diagnostic testing is free for sites affiliated with the NYC Test & Trace Corps, but testing sites not run by New York State may charge a fee, according to the Department of Health.
If you go to a testing site operated by local governments, private companies or not-for-profit organizations, check with the testing site, your health care provider or by calling the New York State COVID-19 hotline (1-888-364-3065) in advance of being tested. You’ll want to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test.
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